Well-Informed: Wellness Education for College Students

the U of U Center for Campus Wellness

Well-Informed: A podcast from the University of Utah Center for Campus Wellness. College is about so much more than earning a degree. It's a time to discover who you are, build meaningful relationships, develop lifelong skills, and face challenges and decisions with confidence. We're here to help you navigate it all while prioritizing your safety, health, healing, and well-being. Through evidence-based, educational episodes, expert interviews, and student perspectives, we'll explore the topics that matter most to college students in a way that is both approachable and actionable. Whether it's sexual health, substance use, violence prevention, physical activity, mental health, nutrition, sleep, healthy relationships...or something else entirely, we want to share the information that matters most to you. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make informed decisions and thrive in every aspect of college life.

Episodes

  1. Oct 23

    With Survivors, Always | Victim-Survivor Advocacy + Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, “With Survivors, Always,” is both a message of support for survivors and a call to move beyond awareness toward meaningful action. This week, we're joined by Lou Vigil, Manager of Advocacy Services, to talk about what domestic violence is, how to recognize warning signs, and how to respond compassionately when someone discloses their experience to you. How we listen and respond can make a difference in preventing further harm and helping survivors feel heard, supported, and empowered. We break down practical ways to support survivors, including prioritizing safety, listening without judgment, and connecting them with resources and support. Our goal is to help our community recognize how they can take meaningful action and contribute to a safer, more supportive environment for everyone. What is Victim-Survivor Advocacy (VSA)? VSAs at the Center for Campus Wellness provide free, confidential, and trauma-informed support services to students, faculty, and staff who have experienced violence, abuse, or harm. We believe in empowering you to make informed decisions around your healing and justice. We will assist you in navigating any resources, processes, and/or services that feel relevant and helpful to you. Violence, Abuse or Harm Resources: Confidential Campus Resources: Center for Campus Wellness, Victim-Survivor Advocacy | 801.581.7776wellness.utah.edu/victim-survivor-advocacy/University Counseling Center | 801.581.6826counselingcenter.utah.edu/ Other Campus Resources: Office of Equal Opportunity I 801.581.8325oeo.utah.edu/ Office of the Dean of Students | 801.581.7066deanofstudents.utah.edu/University Public Safety (Crime Victim Advocates) | 801.585.2677safety.utah.edu/

  2. Sep 30

    Discovering Your Purpose and Values | Spiritual Wellness

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Did you know that research has found a connection between spirituality, brain health, and your overall mood and sense of happiness? (Miller et al., 2014). For this week’s episode, we’re joined by Rev. Cindy Solomon-Klebba, the Spiritual Chaplain and Manager of the Spiritual Wellness Program at the Center for Campus Wellness, to explore what having a sense of purpose means and how it can impact your overall well-being. We chat about the difference between spirituality and religion, why purpose and values can be especially important during college, the impact spirituality can have on our lives, and what spiritual wellness can look like during our busier seasons. Rev. Cindy also shares how religious trauma or difficult experiences with spirituality can impact our ability to connect with spirituality, and how sometimes changing the “vehicle” we use to explore our spirituality can make all the difference. Join us as we explore simple activities to help you reflect on your own values, find meaning, and build practices that support your spiritual well-being, even if you have only five minutes a day. Source: Miller L, Bansal R, Wickramaratne P, Hao X, Tenke CE, Weissman MM, Peterson BS. Neuroanatomical correlates of religiosity and spirituality: a study in adults at high and low familial risk for depression. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014 Feb;71(2):128-35. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.3067. PMID: 24369341; PMCID: PMC3921896.

    Discovering Your Purpose and Values | Spiritual Wellness
  3. Sep 3

    Support for Your Wellbeing | What the Center for Campus Wellness Can Do for U

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Have you ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or confused about all the services and programs available to you at school? If so, you’re not alone. Many students want to take control of their well-being, but often don’t know where to start. Well, we’re making it a little easier for you. In this episode, I’m joined by Indigo Mason, a Health Communications Coordinator for the Center for Campus Wellness, and together we’re giving you the scoop on what the CCW can do for U. We explore what sets us apart from the other offices within Student Health and Wellness, and discuss the holistic and comprehensive services and programs we offer to support your wellness, safety, and healing. Some of the programs you'll hear about in this episode include: Basic Needs Support & the Wellness ExchangeWellness CoachingHealth EducationPeer Well-being NavigationSexual WellnessAlcohol & Substance UseViolence & Harm SupportSpiritual WellnessWhether you’re a new or returning student, this episode can help you figure out which services and programs may be most beneficial to you. College brings new experiences. Some may lead to new opportunities for joy and fun, while others may bring new challenges. You don’t have to do it all alone. We’re here for you every step of the way and want to help you find more balance, peace, and well-being, not only during your college career, but throughout your entire life.

    Support for Your Wellbeing | What the Center for Campus Wellness Can Do for U

About

Well-Informed: A podcast from the University of Utah Center for Campus Wellness. College is about so much more than earning a degree. It's a time to discover who you are, build meaningful relationships, develop lifelong skills, and face challenges and decisions with confidence. We're here to help you navigate it all while prioritizing your safety, health, healing, and well-being. Through evidence-based, educational episodes, expert interviews, and student perspectives, we'll explore the topics that matter most to college students in a way that is both approachable and actionable. Whether it's sexual health, substance use, violence prevention, physical activity, mental health, nutrition, sleep, healthy relationships...or something else entirely, we want to share the information that matters most to you. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make informed decisions and thrive in every aspect of college life.